Top Defensive Free Agent Linked To Browns, Expected To Signs With Raiders

After rumors swirled last week that the Browns could have interest in Dolphins free agent Christian Wilkins, the top flight defensive tackle is already off the market.

NFL free agency moves quickly

Less than a week removed from the Dolphins opting to not franchise tag star defensive tackle Christian Wilkins, the 28-year-old is already expected to be off the market.

Multiple reports indicate Wilkins will put pen to paper on a four-year, $110 million deal that includes more than $84 million guaranteed. The deal is expected to be finalized when the new league year officially begins at 4 p.m. on Wednesday.

Splash: One of the top free agents is off the market, as #Dolphins star DT Christian Wilkins is headed to the #Raiders, sources say.

He gets a 4-year deal worth $110M base value that includes $84.75M guaranteed in a contract done by @DavidMulugheta of @AthletesFirst. pic.twitter.com/aKwKFIfU5T

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 11, 2024

Rumors swirled last week linking the Browns to Wilkins once it was clear Miami was not looking to retain the Clemson product. Defensive tackle is considered a need for Cleveland this offseason and he also played with Browns QB Deshaun Watson in college. 

It became evident fairly quickly though that Cleveland would have a hard time signing Wiklins due to salary cap restraints. On Friday, Baltimore handed out a four-year, $98 million deal to homegrown DT Justin Madubuike to set the market at the position. One day later the Chiefs followed suit by dolling out a five-year, $158.75 million deal to their own defensive tackle, Chris Jones.

Both deals made it pretty evident the Browns would have a difficult time outbidding teams with more cap space for Wilkins services.

That reality played itself out pretty quickly on Monday when the NFL's legal tampering window opened up at noon as Wiklins quickly agreed to a deal with the Raiders. With Wilkins off the market, the Browns will have to look elsewhere if they hope to bolster their defensive line this offseason.